A MALDON pub has scooped two pub of the year awards for the district.

The Carpenter’s Arms in Maldon received awards for Branch Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year from the Maldon & Dengie Branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

John Walpole, licensee, and bar manager Andrew McClaine accepted the awards from Chris Harvey, Chairman of Maldon and Dengie CAMRA branch, at a special presentation in front of customers and members.

The Carpenters Arms now goes forward to represent Maldon and Dengie in the judging for CAMRA’s Essex Pub of the Year. The pub will be up against strong competition from eight other pubs from across the county, with the New Inn in Colchester, which was last year’s Essex Pub of the Year.

John Walpole said: “This is a very special night for the pub. We are really honoured to receive these two awards from CAMRA, we appreciate the support we get from the Branch and its members.”

Chris Harvey said: “The Carpenters Arms was a very clear winner in the votes held by local Camra members for their Pub of the Year and Cider Pub of the Year for 2018, which is impressive in view of the strong competition in the area.

“There’s always a great selection of beers, including unusual styles such as porters and strong ales on offer. The choice of real ciders and perries is unrivalled in our area, and includes ciders made in Normandy exclusively for the pub.

“The Carpenters Arms has a great ambience, with knowledgeable staff and a warm welcome. John Walpole and his hardworking team make it a pub the area can be proud of.”